Gardener and Photographer with a love of Roses and a magpie-eye for all things Horticultural

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About The Teddington Gardener

A gardener, with my own north-west facing plot in Teddington, a camera and a thirst for horticultural treasure.

As long as I am curious about horticulture, gardening, gardens, plants, design, garden history and gardeners, there is hope for me. There are vast worlds of horticulture that are entirely, wonderfully alien to me at present but once the gardening bug has struck, it is a pleasure to keep learning.

Academic study includes Commendations at RHS Level 2 and Level 3 in Horticulture with ongoing study and assessment – for example I’ve attended many courses at David Austin Roses and with the esteemed Michael Marriott, at Great Dixter with Fergus Garrett, the Earth Centre in Oxford (fruit tree pruning and community orchards) and abroad – in Italy for a Rose Pruning Course in Assisi (Quando Fioriranno Le Rose) – there is always more to learn, I know this as both pupil and a teacher.

I’m a member of the RHS, National Trust, Historic Roses Group, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Kew Gardens and take every opportunity to visit as many gardens and events as I can – the RHS London Shows, Chelsea and Hampton Court – trade shows too, at the very least – Kew and RHS Wisley every few weeks and new locations often (see my series of Postcards last year from Wales, Shropshire, Oxfordshire and Sussex) keeping abreast of classical and contemporary garden design and all manner of planting styles, combinations and new plant introductions.

Wherever I can, I write about these visits here – and I can indulge my love of photography as well. There is a lot of photography here but please respect my ownership of these images and seek permission if you should want to use any of it.

I’m a habitual denizen of both Instagram and Twitter (there are links on the Home Page), Facebook finds me with many, many like-minded friends and my wordpress output finds its way to Tumblr, Linkedin and probably some other sites. Who has time to check? A shy and retiring Horticultural Geek I am not. As much as I enjoy contributing to the social media in this way, I am inspired and learn much from the folk I follow and often much more than I might ever offer myself. For me, it’s a win-win situation though I apologise if I (often) post in huge blocks of images or tweets. Can’t help myself …

In short then, these pages are a sincere expression of my love of plants, gardens, and gardening. I hope you enjoy your time amongst these pages, return again, and find something to inspire your Horticultural World.

Wow! I’m blown away by your photographs. I took some yesterday with my phone of the helibores, but nothing as good as yours. I’m a botanical art teacher and I wondered if you would allow me to use the odd photo as source material? Totally understand if you say no! I prefer to work from life but some of your pictures are amazing.

Thank you so much Martin I will credit you of course ( and share!). Your work is beautiful. Do you think the Petersham nurseries would be interested in running the odd botanical/flower painting watercolour class? I think our work would certainly compliment each other? I’ve been teaching in adult education for 25years and I teach for the Field Studies Council at Flatford Mill. It’s just an idea.

Teddington Gardener

These pages illustrate my love of plants and gardens, design and creative expression – learning more about horticulture and sharing the knowledge. Here you will find a showcase for my own photography, commentary on plants and places visited, horticultural know-how, a dose of inspiration and a seasonal diary for your garden.